Edikasyon pa achte kontantman, men li ede!
— Education does not buy happiness, but it helps!

Headmaster Josue Bastien (shown in the photo, bottom left) has directed the amazing development of Institute Maranatha since its inception in 2002. He has overseen its growth from just 200 primary students to over 1,250 primary and, of even more significance, 650 secondary or high school students. He oversees a staff of 17 primary, 55 secondary and 10 professional school teachers. Josue grew up in Grison-Garde near what is now his school and attended college in nearby Cap Haitien, the “capital” of the North. He considers Institute Maranatha to be “the greatest school in the North!” He has helped create one of the highest rates of graduation in the area and the school is still free to all. Josue sincerely thanks you for making this success possible. He knows how difficult life is without education, knowledge and the wisdom that may follow. We add to that his true compassion for the children of his community.

Midwife Training Program
The Matwon training program that we support continues to move forward. “Matwons” deliver about 75% of babies in homes throughout rural Haiti. These women (and some men) may have received little formal training in the past, but that is improving rapidly. Our foundation accepts and passes on funds for matwon training sessions at nearby New Hope hospital. This represents education at its most productive level. In addition, hundreds of “birthing kits” are being donated by various American groups. These clean birthing conditions offer increased hope for survival to both mother and her infant.

Surf and Turf
Tilapia and chickens may be in our future. An excellent school project, St. Marks in nearby Tremesse has developed a tilapia and chicken/egg farming project, which our directors are hoping to also establish at Maranatha. These self-sustaining investments are the way to the future. However, our current budget will fall far short of the funds needed for this effort. If there are possible sponsors out there, please let us know by emailing fousto40@gmail.com.

Computers Needed
Our college students have a great need for laptop computers. If you have one that you can donate (tax deductible), please contact us. We will deliver the laptops in person!

New Additions
The little girls in their nice “pillow case” type dresses (shown in the slideshow below) are recent additions to the small orphanage that the foundation continues to provide for the community. They are true orphans, lacking mothers or at-home fathers. Most have lived with relatives in the area. One senses their true happiness in the safe and predictable world their new home offers.

Institute Maranatha is thriving at every level ... our thanks to you!

We'll leave you with a real treat! Check out the slideshow below followed by a video featuring a special performance by the Maranatha Band ensemble: